India wins U23 Asian Wrestling freestyle title, bags 27 medals in Da Nang
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
India's men's freestyle wrestling team clinched the Team Championship Trophy at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, finishing first in the freestyle standings ahead of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The victory, achieved on 27 May, anchored a historic continental campaign in which the Indian contingent amassed a tournament-best 27 medals — 11 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze — across all three disciplines.
Freestyle Dominance
The championship-winning freestyle squad contributed 9 medals to India's overall tally, including 4 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Akshay T Dhere (57kg) and Vicky (97kg) opened the gold account, with Kumar Mohit (65kg) and Chandermohan (79kg) following them to the top of the podium. Deepak Rathi (61kg), Punit Kumar (92kg), and Lacky (125kg) secured silver medals, while Deepak Berwal (74kg) and Mor Sachin (82kg) rounded off the freestyle haul with bronze.
Women's Wrestlers Deliver Six Golds
India's women's contingent matched the freestyle unit's intensity, returning with 10 medals including 6 gold. Muskan (53kg), Tapasya (57kg), Bhagyashree (62kg), Pulkit (67kg), Mansi (68kg), and Kajal (76kg) all won their respective title bouts. Neha (59kg) and Sweety (50kg) claimed silver, while Amruta (72kg) and Ahilya (55kg) finished with bronze medals.
Greco-Roman Contingent Adds Eight Medals
The Greco-Roman squad laid an early foundation with 8 medals. Sumit led the charge with gold in the 63kg category, supported by silver medals from Suraj (60kg) and Sagar Singh (67kg). Bronze medals went to Neeraj Patel (55kg), Sachin (77kg), Rohit Bura (87kg), Rohit (97kg), and Hardeep (130kg).
What the WFI Said
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh called the freestyle trophy win 'a monumental achievement for Indian wrestling and a moment of immense pride for the entire country.' He added that the grapplers had 'shown unparalleled determination and technical superiority to finish ahead of top wrestling nations like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.' Singh extended congratulations to all medal winners, coaches, and support staff, saying the results proved 'the future of Indian wrestling is incredibly bright.'
What Comes Next
With the U23 championship concluded, attention now turns to the junior circuit. The U17 Asian Wrestling Championships are set to begin at the same venue in Da Nang on 28 May, with opening bouts scheduled from 10 am onwards. India will be looking to extend its continental dominance into the sub-junior age group.